Neil Francis Mochty, age 81 and a life-long resident of East Tawas, passed away peacefully, Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.

Neil was born on August 24, 1943, in Tawas City MI, to the late Frank Joseph and Helen Leona (Specht) Mochty. He attended Tawas Area High School and graduated with the class of 1962. Like many of his generation, shortly after high school, he was drafted and proudly served in the US Army from 1965-1971 during the Vietnam War. His military service career took him to various parts of the US including Ft. Knox Kentucky, Ft. Ord California and overseas to Germany for 2 and half year’s active duty followed by 3 and half years as a reservist in the US Army Reserves. While serving his country Neil attended Monterey (California) Community College and Delta Community (Michigan) College.

During his 48-year career, Neil was a friendly, familiar face throughout the region in the retail lumber and hardware store community as an employee and manager of Schreck Lumber and Schaaf Lumber in East Tawas; part-owner of CA Hanes Home Center in West Branch and finally serving as a regional sales rep for Lumberman’s Corporation in Cadillac MI before retiring in 2005.

Neil was an avid outdoorsman, absolutely enjoying every experience at his family hunting camp. He loved hunting with his sons and grandsons, Wednesday golf leagues with his friends, and traveling with his wife Ellen. He loved community sports and played in men’s softball, golf and bowling leagues for many years and coached youth baseball during his children’s formative years. His other favorite pastimes included watching his children and grandchildren compete in athletics and perform in dance/music recitals throughout the state of Michigan and Ohio. Neil was very community oriented, being a long-time member of the East Tawas Lions Club including serving as President in 1978-1979, a life time member of the Audie Johnson American Legion Post #211 in East Tawas, life time member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2709, a board member of the East Tawas Housing Commission from 1972-1994 which brought affordable housing to area underserved citizens, a lifetime member of the Tawas Area Elks #2525 and a founding member and past president of the Tawas Area Muzzleloaders Association.

Neil married his wife and best friend, Ellen Gertrude (Klinger) on September 1, 1967, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Tawas. Together they raised 4 children and celebrated 58 years of beautiful marriage.

Neil is survived by his loving wife, Ellen, his 4 children and their spouses; Tom (Joni) Mochty of Bradenton, FL, Matt (Stacey) Mochty of East Tawas, Stephanie (Greg) Sproule of Linden, Michigan, and Michelle (Mark) Baibos of Flushing, Michigan; ten grandchildren including, Margaret and Jack Mochty, Sydney, Dillon (Lexi), and Evan Mochty, Brandon (Lauren), Connor, and Cameron Sproule, Mallory and Maverick Baibos; 1 sister, Elaine (Jim) Bessey of Punta Gorda Florida; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Neil is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Mochty; brother, Larry Mochty; and sister, Jean (Mochty) Helveston.

Neil’s family will welcome friends on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas from 9:00 am to 11:00 am for a time of visitation. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am that day with Father Lawrence Box officiating. Neil will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph/Holy Family Catholic Cemetery following his funeral mass. Military honors will be rendered at the cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Holy Family Catholic Church/School and all friends and family are invited.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Neil’s name are encouraged to consider a donation to either the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital / Shriner’s Foundation or to Holy Family Catholic School. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Neil’s family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.